This hearty and economical stew features browned ground beef paired with tender root vegetables in a savory tomato-infused broth. It is an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a comforting, nutrient-dense meal prepared with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the simple seasonings to meld perfectly with the vegetables, creating a rich texture that rivals more time-consuming stews.
List of ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into large pieces
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ½ inch thick slices
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: Add 1 pound browned and drained ground beef, 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced into large pieces), 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into ½ inch thick slices), and 1 medium diced onion to a crock pot.
- Step 2: In a medium size mixing bowl, stir together 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 teaspoons minced garlic.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy.
Savory Preparation Pointers
Achieving the Ideal Beef Texture
Using ground beef with a moderate fat content, such as 80% to 85% lean, provides the best balance of flavor without making the stew overly greasy. Always brown the meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, as this step develops a deeper crust and flavor that raw meat cannot replicate. Draining the excess grease post-browning is essential to keep the final broth clear and light rather than heavy and oily.
Consistent Vegetable Sizing
When preparing the russet potatoes and carrots, aim for uniform pieces that are roughly one to one-and-a-half inches in size. Consistent sizing ensures that every component reaches the point of tenderness simultaneously, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain raw. If you choose to use organic produce, leaving the skins on the carrots can add extra nutrients and a rustic, hearty aesthetic to the dish.
Maximizing Broth Depth
While beef broth is the standard for this recipe, you can swap it for vegetable broth if you prefer a slightly lighter result. For those looking to manage grocery costs, a simple mix of water with a beef bouillon base works effectively to recreate the savory intensity needed for a proper stew. Ensure that the liquid level is sufficient to just cover the top of the vegetables for even heat distribution during the long simmering process.
Creative Ingredient Substitutions
Exploring Alternative Proteins
Ground turkey or a blend of ground turkey and beef are excellent substitutes if you are looking to lower the overall fat content of the stew. These leaner proteins still provide the necessary structure to the dish and absorb the tomato-based seasonings beautifully. Ensure you still brown the meat thoroughly in a pan to maintain a pleasant mouthfeel and prevent the meat from clumping into large, tough segments.
Diversifying Vegetable Choices
Russet potatoes offer a starchy finish that helps thicken the broth naturally, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture. Adding frozen peas in the last thirty minutes of cooking provides a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color that breaks up the deep red and brown tones of the stew. Green beans, corn, or even diced parsnips can be tossed in at the start to increase the vegetable volume without altering the cooking time significantly.
Adjusting the Flavor Profile
If you prefer a bolder flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a touch of smoked paprika to the broth mixture. These additions introduce complex savory and smoky undertones that pair exceptionally well with the acidity of the tomatoes. A small dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can also be stirred in if your family enjoys a slight kick of heat in their comfort food.
Practical Storage and Serving
Managing Leftover Portions
This stew stores wonderfully in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container for up to five days. To simplify your future meals, portion the cooled stew into individual glass containers, which makes grabbing a healthy, pre-made lunch incredibly easy. The flavors often develop further overnight, making the leftovers taste even better the following day.
Freezing for Long-Term Use
Freezing this meal is highly effective for long-term meal planning. To do this, combine the browned beef and prepared raw vegetables in a freezer-safe bag with the broth and seasonings, omitting the pre-cooking step. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw the bag in the refrigerator overnight and pour the contents directly into your slow cooker, adjusting the cooking time slightly as needed.
Ideal Side Pairings
Because this stew is quite substantial, it pairs perfectly with simple sides that can soak up the flavorful broth. Warm, crusty bread or garlic-buttered breadsticks are classic choices for cleaning the bowl. Alternatively, a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm nature of the stew, balancing the richness of the beef and starch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this for a pressure cooker by searing the beef, adding all ingredients, and cooking on high pressure for approximately 10 to 12 minutes followed by a natural pressure release. This method is much faster but requires careful monitoring to ensure the potatoes do not overcook.
How do I prevent potatoes from discoloring?
If you need to chop your potatoes in advance, place them in a bowl filled with cold water and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Keep them refrigerated and drain thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they stay bright and fresh.
Is it necessary to use canned tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are recommended because they provide a consistent acid content and pre-measured juice that stabilizes the broth texture. If you choose to use fresh tomatoes, they may require longer to break down and you may need to add a small amount of tomato paste to achieve the same depth of flavor.
Why is my broth thin?
If the final stew is thinner than you prefer, remove one or two pieces of the cooked potato, mash them into a paste with a fork, and stir them back into the liquid. This natural starch will act as a thickening agent, giving the broth a more luxurious, velvety consistency without the need for flour or cornstarch.
Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
You certainly can; a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme serves as a perfect substitute for a pre-mixed Italian blend. Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of each to maintain the aromatic profile required for a balanced stew base.
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Crock Pot Ground Beef Simmered Stew
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: General
Description
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is made with ground beef and other simple ingredients to make this delicious and budget friendly stew recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into large pieces
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ½ inch thick slices
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 1 pound browned and drained ground beef, 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced into large pieces), 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into ½ inch thick slices), and 1 medium diced onion to a crock pot.
- Step 2: In a medium size mixing bowl, stir together 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 teaspoons minced garlic.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can use chicken broth instead of beef broth in this recipe if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 322 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 865 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg